Composition "The Art of War" (Work in progress).

[KubeImage]

Hey all. This will be my first time actually linking one of my tracks here. I've been a VSL user for about 2 1/2 years now. Usually lurk but don't post often.

I'm working on a peice that I'm basing on Sun Tzu's book "The Art of War". I'm basically taking a western approach to an eastern sound.. i.e. very few traditional chinese instruments. It's a work in progress, and probably somewhat different than the norm. Just trying to have fun with it.

The Art of War - Prologue (Rev 2)

http://akamai.www.berkleemusic.com/assets/display/6665221/6665220.mp3


Feedback/comments welcome and appreciated.

[DCB]

Interesting texture. I like the fourth/fifth harmonies and orchestration, especially the use of varied string articulations and the percussion. A little bland and monotonous melodically. The tempo also strikes me as mechanical. This is perhaps intentional, but varying the tempo a bit more could help build the tension. More dynamic variation could help too.

[KubeImage]

Good observations, and critique. Thanks. I think you are right about the pizz's being monotonous. Wasn't necessarily intending it to be the melody. Moreso a repeating arpeggio.

Definatley need to work on dynanics and tempo.. I agree. I did do some very subtle tempo changes near the end.. maybe too subtle [[;)]]. Hopefully I'll be able to spend the time I need on this track to perfect it.

Although I played in wind ensemble (French Horn), I'm not trained in classical orchestration. For that matter composition period. I rely mostly on my ear. Past couple of years or so, I've been slowly getting into doing my own orchestral music. Cant wait to get the VI's. Recommend any good orchestration books?

Btw.. My fav composer is Ravel.